Licensing (By-law No. 2002-189)

Section 1 - Definitions

In this by-law:

"A-frame sign" means a self-supporting structure shaped like an "A" with one (1) or two(2) sign faces, with a base dimension not exceeding sixty centimetres (60cm) in width or seventy-five centimetres (75cm) in length, and a height not less than fifty centimetres (50cm) or greater than one metre (1m); (By-law 2005-357)

"Accessible parking space" means a part of the surface of the roadway, private property, or City property designated for the purpose of vehicle parking for those with an accessible parking permit as defined in the Traffic and Parking By-law; (By-law 2024-418)

"accident scene" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

"additional fee" means a fee imposed by the City on a business at any time during the term of the license for costs incurred by the City attributable to the activities of the business; (By-law 2004-488)

“adult entertainment establishment” means any premises or part thereof where goods, entertainment or services that are designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations or body rubs are provided and includes adult entertainment parlours and adult entertainment stores and body-rub parlours; (By-law 2005-414; amended by By-law 2005-415)

"adult entertainment parlour" means any premises or part thereof in which is provided, in pursuance of a trade, calling, business or occupation, live entertainment or services appealing to or designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations; (By-law 2004-353)

"adult entertainment operator" means a person who alone or with others operates, manages, supervises, runs or controls an adult entertainment parlour; (By-law 2004-353)

"adult entertainment owner" means a person or persons who has or have the right to possess or occupy an adult entertainment parlour or who actually does possess or occupy an adult entertainment parlour or premises upon which an adult entertainment parlour is located; (By-law 2004-353)

"adult entertainment performer" means any person other than a licensed adult entertainment owner or adult entertainment operator who provides at or in an adult entertainment parlour live entertainment or services designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations; (By-law 2004-353)

“adult entertainment store” means,

1. any premises or part thereof in which the principal business carried on is the provision of either or both adult magazines or adult videos, or
2. any premises or part thereof in which the provision of adult videos or adult magazines is incidental to the carrying on of a business not referred to in clause (a). (By-law 2005-414; amended by By-law 2006-81)

“adult magazine” means any magazine the content of which is designed or held out as designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations, through the pictorial, photographic or other graphic depiction of subject matter distinguished or characterized by the portrayal of one (1) or more persons involved or engaging in specified sexual activities or by an emphasis on the display of human specified body area; (By-law 2005-414; amended by By-law 2006-81)

“adult video” means any video the content of which is designed or held out as designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations, through the portrayal or depiction of specified body areas or specified sexual activities and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, a video classified by the Ontario Film Review Board as “restricted” with the added information piece “adult sex film” shall be deemed to be an adult video, while a video without such classification and information piece shall be deemed not to be an adult video; (By-law 2005-414)

"all night dance event" means an event for gain or profit:

1. that offers live or pre-recorded music or both,
2. where any part of the event takes place between the hours of 0300 and 0900, and
3. where the principal activities include listening and dancing to music. (By-law 2002-374)

"amusement place" means a place, building or structure or part thereof to which the public has access where entertainment or amusement facilities are provided and includes:

1. premises equipped with five (5) of more arcade machines or video display devices,
2. a bowling alley,
3. premises, including a proprietary club, with five (5) or more billiard, pool or bagatelle tables,
4. a golf driving range,
5. a roller skating or ice skating facility, and
6. a public hall. (By-law 2002-373)

"animal" means any member of the animal kingdom, other than human; (By-law 2003-236)

“art and craft” means handmade goods produced or created from raw or basic materials which are changed into a significantly different shape, design, form or function using a special skill or manual art; (By-law 2009-151)

"auctioneer" means a person selling, renting or putting up for sale, goods, wares, merchandise or effects or livestock by public auction;

“auto club”  (added by By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

"automotive sales, leasing or rental establishment" means any premises used for carrying on the business of buying, selling renting or leasing new or used motor vehicles; (By-law 2002-319; amended by By-law 2003-311)

"automotive service station" means any premises where minor or running repairs essential to the actual operation of motor vehicles are offered for gain and may include oil and filter changes; lubrication muffler, brake, battery repairs or replacements; ignition adjustments or similar services but does not include a retail establishment that offers the installation of motor vehicle accessories including but not limited to car alarms and sound systems, global positioning systems or remote control starter provided that the installation is incidental to the retail business; (By-law 2002-319; repealed and re-enacted by By-law 2006-81)

"bakeshop" means a premises where bread, baked goods, cakes or pies are made, offered for sale or sold; (By-law 2002-443)

“bedroom” means a room used or designed for use primarily for sleeping; (By-law 2018-302)

"boarding kennel" means any premises or part thereof where:

1. more than three (3) dogs over the age of twenty (20) weeks, or
2. more than five (5) cats over the age of twenty (20) weeks, are boarded, raised or trained, for any period of time that includes an overnight stay, for remuneration; (By-law 2013-107)

“body-rub” includes the kneading, manipulating, rubbing, massaging, touching, or stimulating by any means, of a person’s body or part thereof but does not include medical or therapeutic treatment performed or offered by a person otherwise duly qualified, licensed or registered so to do under the laws of the Province of Ontario; (By-law 2005-415)

“body-rub parlour” includes any premises or part thereof where a body-rub is performed, offered or solicited in pursuance of a trade, calling, business or occupation, but does not include any premises or part thereof where the body-rubs performed, offered or solicited are for the purposes of medical or therapeutic treatment and are performed or offered by persons otherwise duly qualified, licensed or registered so to do under the laws of the Province of Ontario; (By-law 2005-415)

"boulevard” means all the parts of the highway save and except any roadway, shoulder or sidewalk; (By-law 2008-95)

"building requirements" means the requirements set out in the Building By-law being By-law No. 2005-303 of the City of Ottawa, or any successor by-law thereto;

"butcher shop" means a premises where fresh or frozen meat in quantities less than by the quarter carcass, fresh or frozen fish, manufactured meat products or all or any of them are sold, or offered or exposed for sale; (By-law 2002-443)

"By-law Officer" means a person appointed by Council to enforce the provisions of this by-law and who may be referred to as an Inspector or Officer;

"Canada Day" means the legal holiday kept and observed as Canada Day throughout Canada under the Holidays Act, R.S.C. 1985 Chap. H-5; (By-law 2008-96)

“car washing establishment” means any premises which is used for the business of washing or cleaning motor vehicles by mechanical or manual means; (By-law 2002-319)

"cat" means a male or female domesticated cat; (By-law 2002-107)

"Chief License Inspector" means the person in the position of Director, By-law and Regulatory Services, in the Emergency and Protective Services Department of the City of Ottawa, or authorized representatives; (By-law 2009-259; amended by By-law 2023-516)

"Chief of Police" means the Chief of Police of the Ottawa Police Service or authorized representative; (By-law 2003-311)

"City" or "City of Ottawa" means the municipal corporation known as the City of Ottawa or the geographic area of the City of Ottawa, as the context requires;

"City Solicitor" means the City Solicitor of the City of Ottawa, or authorized representative; (By-law 2023-516)

"classic, vintage or specialty vehicle" (By-law 2004-209; repealed by By-law 2016-272)

"collision" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

“collision reporting centre” or “CRC” (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

"Consumer Protection Act" means the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 R.S.O. 2002, c. 30, Sch. A, as amended, and the regulations passed under it; (By-law 2021-315)

"Council" means the Council of the City of Ottawa;

"CVOR" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

“Deputized Officer” means an individual appointed under By-law No 2017-180, as amended, to enforce the Traffic and Parking By-law (By-law No. 2017-301, as amended) on private property and the Fire Routes By-law (By-law 2003-499, as amended); (By-law 2011-380; amended by By-law 2023-516)

"designated entertainment area" means the area, approved by the Chief of Police and the Chief License Inspector, where live entertainment or services designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations may be provided, such area to offer a clear and unobstructed view to entrances, disc jockey area, bar and other public areas; (By-law 2004-353)

“designated space” means a space established by the Designated Space Programme By-law; (By-law 2008-95)

“detached dwelling” means a residential use building that contains only one principal dwelling unit or oversize dwelling unit; (By-law 2018-302)

“dog” means a male or female domesticated dog; (By-law 2013-107)

"dolly" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)         

"driving instructor" means a person who teaches a person to operate a motor vehicle and receives compensation therefore;

"driving school operator" means a person who carries on the business of teaching persons to operate motor vehicles;

"drop fee" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

“dwelling unit” means a residential unit that:

1. is used or intended for use a residential premises by one household and not more than three roomers or boarders; and
2. contains no more than four bedrooms; (By-law 2018-302) 

"eating establishment" means a premises where meals or meal portions are prepared or sold for human consumption in a form that will permit immediate consumption on the premises or elsewhere and without limiting the generality of the foregoing includes premises serving or selling food to the general public such as restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, dining rooms, lunch counters, catering services and ice cream parlours but does not include a refreshment vehicle; (By-law 2003-311)

"electronic cigarette" means a vaporizer or inhalant-type device, whether called an electronic cigarette or any other name, that contains a power source and heating element designed to heat a substance and produce a vapour intended to be inhaled by the user of the device through the mouth, whether or not the vapour contains nicotine; (By-law 2024-474)

"employee" means any person working in or for the licensed premise whether or not that person receives remuneration for the work; (By-law 2005-324)

"entertainment", for the purposes of public halls, means a concert, public luncheon, public dinner, show, public sporting event or variety program; (By-law 2002-373)

"e-substance", means a substance that is manufactured or sold to be used in an electronic cigarette; (By-law 2024-474)

"exhibition" means an event:

1. that is organized by a promoter,
2. that is held indoors or outdoors or both,
3. that is held on private or public property,
4. that has a theme or general subject,
5. that is comprised of five (5) or more participating individuals who are vending on their own behalf,
6. at which persons contract for display space from the promoter of the event for the purpose of offering goods for sale by retail for the duration of the exhibition or a segment of the exhibition, and
7. that is open to the public by any means, but does not include a flea market; (By-law 2005-356)

"exotic animal" means an animal that is wild by nature and is not commonly or lawfully kept as a domestic, household pet in Canada and includes prohibited animals; (By-law 2003-236)

"exotic animal entertainment event" means any exhibit, public show, circus, carnival or other display or act of entertainment using any live exotic animal and includes the use of any such animal in any film or television production; (By-law 2003-236)

"exotic animal rescue and education establishment" means an establishment which exhibits, displays or houses any live exotic animal for purposes of rescue and education, and which has an exemption under Section 86 of By law No. 2003-77; (By-law 2003-236)

“farm produce” means fruits, vegetables, plants, roots, seeds, mushrooms, eggs, meats, poultry, game, honey and maple products, but does not include tobacco or tobacco products;  (By-law 2009-151)

"Fire Chief" means the Chief of the Ottawa Fire Services of the City or authorized subordinates or assistants; (By-law 2005-325)

"flatbed tow truck" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

"flea market" means a place of business or an event:

1. that holds itself out to the public as:
   1. a flea market, or
   2. a sale that is commonly referred to as a garage sale,
2. that is held indoors or outdoors or both,
3. that is organized by an owner, operator or promoter,
4. at which persons contract for display space from the owner, operator or promoter for the purpose of offering goods for sale by retail,
5. that is comprised of five (5) or more participating individuals who are vending on their own behalf, and
6. that is open to the public by any means, but does not include an exhibition; (By-law 2005-356)

"food premises" includes a bakeshop, a butcher shop and an eating establishment; (By-law 2002-443)

"gas station" means any premises where the primary business is the sale of fuel to passenger vehicles but may also include the sale of other motor vehicle necessities such as motor oil, windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze; (By-law 2002-319)

“goods” means commodities, merchandise and wares that are offered for sale; (By-law 2008-95)

"GVWR" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

“hand-powered vehicle” means a vehicle that is propelled by muscular power; (By-law 2008-95)

“highway” includes the entire right-of-way of a common and public highway, street, avenue, parkway, driveway, square, place, bridge, viaduct, or trestle, designed and intended for, or used by, the general public for the passage of pedestrians and vehicles; (By-law 2008-95)

"Highway Traffic Act" or "HTA" means the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. H.8, as amended, and the regulations passed thereunder;

“household” means a person or a group of people who:

1. may or may not be related;
2. live together as a single housekeeping establishment; and
3. exercise a meaningful degree of collective decision-making and responsibility for the management of the interior of the residential unit; (By-law 2018-302)       

"inflatable sign" means a non-rigid, gas or air filled bag or balloon designed or used as an advertising device; (By-law 2005-357)

“in-home breeding kennel” means any premises or part thereof where:

1. more than three (3) and less than eleven (11) dogs over the age of twenty (20) weeks, or
2. more than five (5) and less than eleven (11) cats over the age of twenty (20) weeks, or,
3. more than three (3) dogs over the age of twenty (20) weeks or more than five (5) cats over the age of twenty (20) weeks, where the primary housing for the dogs or cats is in an accessory building(s) or structure(s) on the property, are owned and being bred and raised; (By-law 2013-107)

“intersection” means the area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines or, if none, then of the lateral boundary lines of two (2) or more streets which join one another at an angle, whether or not one (1) street crosses the other; (By-law 2008-95)

"itinerant seller" means a person who goes from place to place or to a particular place with goods for sale by retail, or who carries and displays samples, patterns or specimens of any goods for the purpose of sale or hire that are delivered in the City afterwards, but does not include a person who sells to wholesale or retail dealers in similar goods; (By-law 2005-356)

"license" means the actual license issued under this by-law;

"License Committee" (repealed by By-law 2018-125)

"licensed" means licensed under the provisions of this by-law;

"licensee" means a person licensed under this by-law;

"limousine" (By-law 2004-209; repealed by By-law 2016-272)

"limousine service" (By-law 2004-209; repealed by By-law 2016-272)

"live entertainment or services designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations" means:

1. services of which a principal feature or characteristic is the nudity or partial nudity of any person. For the purposes of this clause "partial nudity" means less than completely or opaquely covered:
   1. human genitals or human pubic region;
   2. human buttocks; or
   3. female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola;
2. services in respect of which the word "nude", "naked", "topless", "bottomless", "sexy" or any other word or any picture, symbol, or representation having like meaning or implication is used in any advertisement; (By-law 2004-353)

"livestock" means cattle, goats, horses, sheep or swine, or the young thereof;

“locally” or “locally grown” and any substantially similar term means that the goods being advertised or offered for sale originated in Ottawa, the counties of Prescott Russell, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Leeds and Grenville, Lanark, and Renfrew and the origin of such goods has been verified by certification by Savour Ottawa, Farmers’ Markets Ontario or another certifying body acceptable to the Chief License Inspector; (By-law 2009-151)

“lot line” means the boundary of a lot; (By-law 2008-96)

"luxury vehicle" (By-law 2004-209; repealed by By-law 2016-272)

"manufactured meat products" means food that is the product of a process and that contains meat as an ingredient and includes meat that is processed by salting, pickling, fermenting, canning, drying or smoking or otherwise applying heat or to which edible fats, cereals, seasonings or sugar have been added; (By-law 2002-443)

"Medical Officer of Health" means the Medical Officer of Health of the City of Ottawa or authorized representative; (By-law 2002-373)

“mobile canteen” means a vehicle that is currently licensed to be driven on the highway pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.H.8, as amended, from which food products and beverages that are prepared or cooked elsewhere than in the vehicle are sold for immediate consumption to individuals at their place of employment, or in the case ice cream or frozen flavoured water products also sold in residential areas as long as the vehicle does not remain more then 10 minutes at a particular location; (By-law 2008-96; re-enacted by By-law 2009-153; amended by By-law 2023-516)

“mobile refreshment cart” means a hand-powered or pedal-powered vehicle from which refreshments may be cooked, carried or offered for sale for consumption to the general public and includes ice cream and frozen milk products; (By-law 2008-96)

“mobile refreshment vehicle” means a motor vehicle licensed as a motor vehicle pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, as amended, or a trailer from which refreshments are cooked, carried or offered for sale for consumption to the general public and for the purposes of mobile refreshment vehicle licenses issued prior to January 1, 2008 also includes a motor vehicle that once operated under its own power, any other vehicle, or a train car; (By-law 2008-96)

"mobile sign" means a sign that is,

1.  temporary,
2.  designed for the manual rearrangement of copy on the sign face, and
3.  part of, or attached to, a readily relocatable wheeled trailer or frame without wheels, for use in another location, 

but does not include,

1.  a portable sign, or
2.  a sign attached to a vehicle where the principle use of that vehicle is the transportation of people, goods or other materials; (By-law 2005-357)

"motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined in the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. H.8, as amended; (By-law 2002-319)

"motor vehicle mechanic" (By-law 2004-209; repealed by By-law 2016-272)

"motor vehicle repair or body shop" means any premises where major repairs, body work or painting of motor vehicles are executed; (By-law 2002-319)

"MVSA" (By-law 2004-209; repealed by By-law 2016-272)

“not-for-profit” for the purposes of this by-law means a non-profit organization including a club, society or association that is organized and operated exclusively for social welfare, civic improvement, recreation or any other purpose except profit, and any profits or economic advantages which are received by it are used to promote its objectives and not used for the personal gain of any of its members or of any other person; (By-law 2008-95)

"notice of additional fee" means a written notice from the Chief License Inspector to a licensee advising them of the requirement to pay an additional fee; (By-law 2004-488)

"Old Municipality" means the old municipalities of the City of Cumberland, the City of Gloucester, the Township of Goulbourn, the City of Kanata, the City of Nepean, the Township of Osgoode, the City of Ottawa, the Township of Rideau, the Village of Rockcliffe Park, the City of Vanier and the Township of West Carleton and "Old Municipalities" has a similar meaning;

“oversize dwelling unit” means a residential unit that:

1. is used or intended for use as a residential premises by one household and not more than three roomers or boarders; and
2. contains more than four, but no more than eight bedrooms; (By-law 2018-302)

“parking enforcement services” means any parking enforcement activity including but not limited to the issuance of tickets, invoices, and payment notices, or authorizing the towing of vehicles through By-Law and Regulatory Services Dispatch, carried on in relation to vehicles parked on private property, but does not include parking enforcement undertaken by the City of Ottawa; (By-law 2011-380; repealed and replaced by By-law 2021-317)

"parking lot" means land or a structure used for the parking of motor vehicles that is available for public use for compensation; (By-law 2002-319)

“Payday Loans Act, 2008”, means the Payday Loans Act, 2008, S.O. 2008, C.9, as amended, and includes any Regulation passed under it; (2019-381)

“payday loan establishment” means a premises where a person or entity is licensed as a lender or a loan broker under the Payday Loans Act, 2008; (By-law 2019-381)

“payday loan establishment manager” means a person who, alone or with others, has the responsibility of supervising and managing a payday loan establishment; (By-law 2019-381)

“pedal powered vehicle” means a vehicle that is fitted with pedals that are operable at all times to propel the vehicle, and is propelled by muscular power; (By-law 2008-95)

"pedestrian mall or pedestrian promenade" means a mall or promenade established solely or principally as a pedestrian promenade by a by-law of the City of Ottawa, and includes the Sparks Street Mall; (By-law 2005-356)

“Permanent Signs on Private Property By-law” means the Permanent Signs on Private Property By-law of the City of Ottawa (By-law No. 2016-326), as amended, or any successor by-law thereto; (By-law 2021-315)

"person" means a natural person, a partnership, a body corporate and any association, and the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns or other legal representatives thereof to whom the context may apply;

“pet shop” means a shop or place where animals for use as pets are sold or kept for sale; (By-law No. 2011-241)

"portable sign" means a rigid, free-standing, moveable sign not fastened by any means to the ground or any structure, and includes an A-frame sign; (By-law 2005-357)

"premises" means a building or part of a building or a place where a person carries on or engages in any of the trades, callings, businesses or occupations described in Section 9 of this by-law; (By-law 2002-319)

"pre-packaged foods" means food that is packaged at a premises other than the premises at which it is offered for sale; (By-law 2002-443)

“private parking enforcement agency” means a person who provides parking enforcement services; (By-law 2011-380)

"private property" means all property in the City and includes property of the municipal, federal and provincial government, but does not include any of the sidewalks and streets thereof or the Sparks Street Mall; (By-law 2005-356)

"prohibited animal" means an animal identified on Schedule "B" to By-law No. 2003-77 being a by-law respecting animal care and control; (By-law 2003-236)

"promoter" means the person who organizes the all night dance event or the exotic animal entertainment event or the exhibition or the flea market, and whose responsibilities may include contracting with entertainers, security firms, owners of premises and advertisers and "promotes" has a similar meaning; (By-law 2003-236; amended by By-law 2005-356)

"proof of insurance" means a certified copy of a policy of insurance or a Certificate of Insurance that shows the proof of liability coverage as required by the applicable Schedule to this By-Law issued by a company authorized to carry on the business of insurance in the Province of Ontario in accordance with the Insurance Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. I.8, as amended; such insurance policy shall contain an endorsement to provide the Chief License Inspector with thirty (30) days prior written notice of cancellation or of a material change that would diminish coverage;

“Property Standards and License Appeals Committee” means the Committee established pursuant to the provisions of this by-law; (By-law 2018-125)

"property standards requirements" means the property standards requirements set out in the Property Standards By-law No. 2013-416, as amended and the Property Maintenance By-law No. 2005-208 or any by-law enacted in substitution therefor; (By-law 2006-81; amended by By-law 2023-516)

"proprietary club" means all clubs other than those in which the use of any pool, billiard or bagatelle table is only incidental to the main objects of the club; (By-law 2002-373)

"provide" when used in relation to live entertainment or services designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations includes to furnish, perform, solicit or give such live entertainment or services and "providing" and "provision" have corresponding meanings; (By-law 2004-353)

"Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019" means the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019, S.O. 2019, c. 13, as amended, and any regulation passed under it; (By-law 2023-318)

“Provincial Offences Act” means the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33, as amended, and the regulations passed under it; (By-law 2021-315)

"public garage" includes an automotive sales or leasing establishment, an automotive service station, a car washing establishment, a gas station, a motor vehicle repair or body shop and a parking lot; (By-law 2002-319)

"public hall" means a building or portion thereof including a portable building or tent that is offered or used as a place of public assembly for any meeting or entertainment and includes cloakrooms, washrooms, kitchens and other service rooms used in connection therewith but does not include a theatre licensed under the Theatres Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. T.6, as amended or a building or portion thereof except a tent used solely for religious purposes, a college, school or university when used for educational purposes only and a lodge when used for lodge purposes only; (By-law 2002-373)

"public markets" means the public markets established by the Markets By-law Number 191-95 of the old Corporation of the City of Ottawa", as amended, and known as By Ward Market and Parkdale Market, or any by-law enacted in substitution therefore; (By-law 2005-356)

“recovery service” (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

“recreational kennel” means any premises or part thereof where:

1. more than three (3) dogs and less than eleven (11) dogs over the age of twenty (20) weeks, or
2. more than three (3) dogs over the age of twenty (20) weeks where the primary housing for the dogs is in an accessory building(s) or structure(s) on the property, are owned and raised for non-commercial recreational purposes, such as dog sledding, but are not bred for sale; (By-law 2013-107)

“refreshment stand” means a temporary structure from which refreshments are cooked, carried or offered for sale to the general public and includes a stand, table, booth, trailer, tent, kiosk or other similar structure; (By-law 2008-96)

“refreshments” includes food products and beverages sold for immediate consumption; (By-law 2008-96)

“rescue organization” means a registered not-for-profit or registered charitable organization whose mandate and practices are predominately the rescue and placement of cats and dogs, and the facilitation of the spaying and neutering of animals for animal welfare purposes; (By-law 2016-200)

“residential unit” means a self-contained set of rooms location in a building, designed to be lived in by one or more persons, and which contains sleeping, kitchen and bathroom facilities that are intended for the exclusive use of the residents of the unit, and is not a mobile home or other vehicle; (By-law 2018-302)

“residential use building” means a building composed solely of residential units, and residential use and residential premises have corresponding meanings; (By-law 2008-237; repealed and replaced by By-law 2018-302)

"rickshaw" means a vehicle propelled by muscular power, including a pedal-powered vehicle and a cargo power-assisted bicycle, as defined in the City of Ottawa E-cargo Bike By-law No. 2021-290, that is used for hire for the conveyance of persons; (By-law 2005-119; repealed and replaced by By-law 2021-339)

"rickshaw operator" means a person engaged in operating a rickshaw for or on behalf of another person who is the owner thereof and where an owner personally operates a rickshaw, shall include the owner; (By-law 2005-119)

"rickshaw owner" means any person owning a rickshaw or having possession or control thereof under an instalment purchase agreement or by way of rental; (By-law 2005-119)

“rooming house” means a residential unit, other than a group home, retirement home or converted retirement home, that:

1. is not used or intended for use as a residential premises by a household or
2. is intended for use as a residential premises by a household and more than three roomers or boarders; or
3. contains more than eight bedrooms; (By-law 2008-237; repealed and replaced by By-law 2018-302)

“rooming house, converted” (repealed by By-law 2018-302)

“rooming house owner” means the person who owns or leases the lands on which the rooming house is located and who manages or receives the rent for the rooming units of the rooming house; (By-law 2008-237)

“rooming unit” means a room, or a suite of rooms including no more than two bedrooms, that constitutes a separate, independent residential occupancy, but which is not self-contained and which requires access to other parts of the residential unit intended to serve the residents, including shower or bath facilities, eating areas, kitchens or bathrooms; (By-law 2008-237; repealed and replaced by By-law 2018-302)

"run sheet" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

“rural area” for the purposes of this by-law means Wards 5-West Carleton March, 19-Orléans South-Navan, 20-Osgoode and 21-Rideau-Jock in the City; ; (By-law 2009-152; amended by By-law 2023-516)

“rural itinerant seller” means a person who within the rural wards only, goes from place to place or to a particular place with goods for sale by retail, or who carries and displays samples, patterns or specimens of any goods for the purpose of sale or hire that are delivered in the rural area of the City afterwards, but does not include a person who sells to wholesale or retail dealers in similar goods; (By-law 2009-151)

“rural mobile canteen” means a vehicle that is currently licensed to be driven on the highway pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, as amended, from which food products and beverages that are prepared or cooked elsewhere than in the motor vehicle are sold for immediate consumption to individuals at their place of employment or in the case of ice cream and frozen flavoured water products also sold in residential areas, as long as the vehicle does not remain more than 10 minutes at a particular location in the rural area, and is also referred to as a “rural refreshment vehicle” for the purposes of this by-law; (By-law 2009-152)

“rural refreshment stand” means a temporary structure from which food products or beverages are cooked, carried or offered for sale to the general public and includes a stand, table, booth, trailer, tent or kiosk or other similar structure at a rural special event only, in the rural area; (By-law 2009-152)

“rural refreshment vehicle” means a hand-powered vehicle, pedal-powered vehicle, motor vehicle or trailer from which refreshments are carried, offered for sale or sold for consumption to the public in a rural area. For the purpose of licenses issued prior to May 14, 2009 also includes a motor vehicle that once operated under its own power, any other vehicle or a train car, in the rural area; (By-law 2009-152)

“rural special event” means an event that is held outdoors or indoors or both, that is held on private or public property, that has a general theme or subject, that is open to the public by any means, and that has a set duration and may include a demonstration, parade, sports event, festival, carnival, donation station, street dance, residential block party, community event, sidewalk sale and other similar events, in a rural area; (By-law 2009-152)

“rural wards” for the purposes of this by-law means Ward 5-West Carleton March, Ward 19 - Orléans South-Navan, Ward 20 - Osgoode and Ward 21 - Rideau-Jock in the City; (By-law 2009-151; amended by By-law 2023-516)

"safety standards certificate" means a safety standards certificate issued pursuant to Sections 100.2 to 100.8 of the Highway Traffic Act; (amended by By-law 2023-516)

“salvage yard” means an establishment or premises where salvaged articles or things are stored wholly or partly in the open including derelict, discarded, abandoned or inoperable motor vehicles and includes a junk yard, a scrap yard and an automobile wrecking yard; (By-law 2005-325)

"second-hand goods" means collector cards; coins; printed currency; valuable figurines; jewelry made of precious metal with or without precious or semi-precious stones; compact discs; computers; computer accessories including monitors, printers and fax modems; computer games; computer software including cartridges and discs; computer hardware; videos in both VHS and DVD formats; video games; electronic equipment; radios; television sets; tools; stereos; telephones; medals; musical instruments; photographic equipment; bicycles; sports equipment; leather jackets and watches; (By-law 2005-324)

"second-hand goods shop" means a building or part of a building, booth, stall or place where second-hand goods are stored, displayed or offered for sale by retail, but does not include a shop where the rental of the goods represents at least seventy percent (70%) of the total gross sales of the shop; (By-law 2005-324)

"seller" means any person who owns a second-hand good and sells, offers for sale or offers in exchange such second-hand good to a second-hand goods shop; (By-law 2005-324)

“service animal” means:

1. an animal that can be readily identified as one that is being used by the person for reasons relating to the person’s disability, as a result of visual indicators such as the vest or harness worn by the animal; or
2. an animal for which the person provides documentation from one of the following regulated health professionals confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the disability:
   1. A member of the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario,
   2. A member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario,
   3. A member of the College of Nurses of Ontario,
   4. A member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario,
   5. A member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario,
   6. A member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario,
   7. A member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario,
   8. A member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario,
   9. A member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario; (By-law 2018-125)

"shop" means a building or part of a building, booth, stall or place or vehicle where goods are exposed, displayed or offered for sale by retail;

“sidewalk" includes all such parts of a highway as are set aside by the City for the use of pedestrians or used by the general public for the passage of pedestrians, and includes the boulevard and a pedestrian walkway; (By-law 2008-95)

"sign" means any visual medium used to convey information by way of words, pictures, graphics, emblems or symbols, or any device used for the purpose of providing direction, information, identification, advertisement, business promotion or the promotion of a product, activity, service or idea; (By-law 2005-357)

"sign face" means the portion of the sign upon, against or through which the message of the sign is displayed, but does not include the sign structure; (By-law 2005-357)

"sign structure" means a structure that is constructed to support a sign face at ground level; (By-law 2005-357)

“Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017” means the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, S.O. 2017, c. 26, Sched. 3, as amended, and any regulation passed under it, and any successor legislation; (By-law 2024-474)

"Smoking and Vaping By-law" means the Smoking and Vaping By-law (No. 2019-241, as amended), of the City of Ottawa; (By-law 2023-516)

"Snow Plow" means;

1. a motor vehicle as defined in the Highway Traffic Act (Ontario) equipped with a snow blower, snow plow or other snow clearing device, and
2. a self-propelled vehicle of a design commonly used for snow clearing or snow removal, which may be equipped with a snow blower or other snow clearing device, including but not limited to a tractor, loader, skid steer, or a backhoe; (By-law 2002-320; amended by By-law 2024-418)

"Snow Plow Contractor" means a person who is engaged in the business of contracting for the clearing or removal of snow on or from private property by means of a snow plow; (By-law 2002-320; amended by By-law 2024-418)

“snow plow driveway marker” means a temporary, non-illuminated indicator or guide inserted with a vertical orientation into the ground on private property or a highway that serves to mark the edge of a driveway for a licensed Snow Plow Contractor, and which is permitted under and complies with Schedule 4 of this by-law; (By-law 2018-10; amended by By-law 2024-418)

"snow plow plate" means the numbered metal plate issued by the City of Ottawa to be affixed to the snow plow as required under this by-law; (By-law 2024-418)

"Snow Plow Operator" means a person who drives a snow plow; (By-law 2002-320)

“special event” means an event that is held outdoors or indoors or both, that is held on private or public property, that has a general theme or subject, that is open to the public by any means, and that has a set duration and may include a demonstration, parade, sports event, festival, carnival, donation station, street dance, residential block party, community event, sidewalk sale and other similar events; (By-law 2008-95)

“specialty vape store” means a premises wherein vapour products are sold by retail as defined in Ontario Regulation 268/18 of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017; (By-law 2024-474)

“specified body area” means any one or more of the following:

1. in the case of a female person, her areolae; and
2. in the case of all persons, the genitals and anus; (By-law 2005-414)

“specified sexual activity” means one or more of the following: actual or simulated sexual intercourse, masturbation, ejaculation, sodomy, bestiality, oral sexual intercourse, direct physical stimulation of unclothed genital organs or flagellation or torture in the context of a sexual relationship or activity; (By-law 2005-414)

“stand” means a table, booth, trailer, tent, kiosk or similar structure; (By-law 2008-95)

“street” means that part of the highway that is improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic; (By-law 2008-95)

“stretch vehicle” (By-law 2004-209; repealed by By-law 2016-272)

"taximeter" (By-law 2004-209; repealed by By-law 2016-272)

"temporary limousine" (By-law 2004-209; repealed by By-law 2016-272)

"temporary sign" means a sign not permanently installed or affixed to any structure or building and includes:

1. an inflatable sign,
2. a mobile sign, and a
3. portable sign; (By-law 2005-357)

"temporary sign lessor" means a person carrying on the business of leasing temporary signs in the City of Ottawa; (By-law 2005-357)

“to provide” when used in relation to an adult entertainment store includes to sell, offer to sell or display for sale by retail, or to rent, offer to rent or display for rental, whether or not the cost, fee or other consideration passes at the time of such rental or sale, or is effected through the cost of membership, subscription, admission or any other manner and “provided”, “providing” and “provision” have corresponding meanings; (By-law 2005-414)

“Tobacco and Vaping Products Act” means the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, S.C. 1997, c. 13, as amended, and any regulation passed under it, and any successor legislation; (By-law 2024-474)

“tobacco and vapour products retailer” means a premises wherein both tobacco products and vapour products are sold by retail; (By-law 2024-474)

“tobacco product” means any product that contains tobacco, and includes the package in which tobacco is sold; (By-law 2024-474)

“tobacco product retailer” means a premises wherein tobacco products are sold by retail; (By-law 2024-474)

“tobacco product retailer” means a premises wherein tobacco products are sold by retail; (By-law 2024-474)

“tobacconist” means a premises where in specialty tobacco products are sold by retail as defined in Ontario Regulations 268/18 of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017; (By-law 2024-474))

"tobacco vendor"; (By-law 2004-494; repealed by By-law 2024-474)

"tow customer" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

"tow service" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

"tow service operator" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

"tow service plate" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

"tow truck" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

"tow truck driver" (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

“Traffic and Parking By-law” means the City of Ottawa Traffic and Parking By-law No. 2017-301, as amended, or any successor by-law thereto; (By-law 2021-315)

“trailer” means a wheeled vehicle capable of being towed and not capable of motion under its own power; (By-law 2008-96)

"transaction record" means any document related to the purchase or taking in exchange of any second-hand good; (By-law 2005-324)

"unobstructed" means without obstruction by walls, structures curtains or any other screen or enclosure; (By-law 2004-353)

“vapour product” means an electronic cigarette, e-substance, or any component of an electronic cigarette and includes the package in which the electronic cigarette, e-substance or component is sold; (By-law 2024-474)

“vapour product retailer” means a premises wherein vapour products are sold by retail; (By-law 2024-474)

“vehicle storage facility” (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

“vehicle storage facility operator” (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

“vend” or “vends” or “vending” includes the offer to sell, the display for sale and the sale; (By-law 2008-95)

“video” includes cinematographic or motion picture film, videotape, video disc and any other medium from which may be produced visual images that may be viewed as moving pictures; (By-law 2005-414)

“video store” means any premises or part thereof in which videos are provided; (By-law 2005-414)

"zoning requirements" means the zoning requirements set out in a Zoning By-law of an Old Municipality applicable to the geographic area in which the property is located, or any by-law enacted in substitution therefore.

Section 2 - Interpretation

1. This by-law includes the Schedules annexed hereto and the Schedules are hereby declared to form part of this by-law.
2. Where the time for doing any act or taking any proceeding expires on a Saturday, Sunday or Public Holiday, the act or proceeding may be done or taken on the next workday.
3. Upon the expiration of the time prescribed for the doing of any act or the taking of any proceeding, the Chief License Inspector, the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee, and the Council are divested of all jurisdiction to deal with the application and the times prescribed shall not be enlarged or abridged or attempted to be enlarged or abridged by any of them.  (By-law 2018-125)
4. Where notice is sent by registered mail, the date of service on the applicant is the date of the next work-day following the date of mailing.
5. Where any expression of time occurs or where any hour or other period of time is stated the time referred to shall be standard time, provided however, if what is known as "daylight saving time" has been generally adopted in the City for any period of the year, under any statute, order-in-council, by-law, resolution or proclamation, whether the same is effective in law or not, such time shall be the time referred to during such period in any reference to time in this by-law.
6. It is declared that if any section, subsection or part or parts thereof be declared by any Court of Law to be bad, illegal or ultra vires, such section, subsection or part or parts shall be deemed to be severable and all parts hereof are declared to be separate and independent and enacted as such.

Section 3 - Composition

1. The Property Standards and License Appeals Committee shall be composed of five (5) citizen members appointed by City Council. (repealed and replaced by By-law 2023-516)

Section 4 - Committee coordinator

Repealed. (amended by By-law 2018-125; repealed by By-law 2023-516)

Section 5 - Meetings

Repealed (amended by By-law 2018-125; repealed by By-law 2023-516)

Section 6 - Property standards and license appeals committee powers

1. The Property Standards and License Appeals Committee is authorized to administer the provisions of this by-law.  (By-law 2018-125)
2. The Property Standards and License Appeals Committee is authorized to make the final decision in respect of the revocation or suspension of any license issued or the imposition of conditions on any licensee. (By-law 2018-125)
3. A majority of the three (3) members of the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee constitutes a quorum. (By-law 2018-125)
4. The Property Standards and License Appeals Committee, after a hearing, may revoke any or each of the licenses held by a licensee for cause and without limiting the generality of the foregoing for:
   1. a breach of the law,
   2. anything which may be in any way adverse to the public interest,
   3. the belief that the person will not carry on or engage in the business in accordance with the law or with honesty and integrity,
   4. any other matter which the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee is authorized by law to consider, or
   5. any violation of the provisions of this by-law.  (By-law 2018-125)
5. The Property Standards and License Appeals Committee may suspend a license for cause for any period that is less than the unexpired part of the period for which it was issued in lieu of revocation as provided in subsection (4). (By-law 2018-125)
6. The Property Standards and License Appeals Committee may impose conditions as a requirement of obtaining, continuing to hold or renewing the license, including special conditions. (By-law 2018-125)

Section 7 - Chief license inspector's and by-law officer's powers

1. The Chief License Inspector is authorized to administer the provisions of this by-law on behalf of the City, including enforcement, together with such other By-law Officers as may be necessary.
2. In addition to subsection (1), the Chief License Inspector and such other By-law Officers are appointed by by-law of the City as Municipal Law Enforcement Officers pursuant to section 15 of the Police Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. P.15, as amended.
3. The Chief License Inspector may report to the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee any breaches by the licensee of this by-law with a request to consider the status of the license. (By-law 2018-125)
4. The Chief License Inspector may suspend any license in an emergency situation for the time and subject to the conditions set out in Section 44.
5. The Chief License Inspector is authorized to rectify minor administrative oversights in respect of a license or license application.  (By-law 2008-306)

Section 8 - Inspection powers

1. The Chief License Inspector is hereby authorized to:
   1. inspect:
      1. as much of any place or premise as is used for the carrying on of the business,
      2. any books, records or other documents of or relating to any such business, or
      3. each motor vehicle operated, provided or used in the business,
   2. require that each motor vehicle operated, provided or used in the business be submitted for inspection, and
   3. ensure that each licensee produces his or her motor vehicle for inspection at the time and place designated by the Chief License Inspector.
2. In addition to the inspection for motor vehicles referred to in subsection (1), motor vehicles shall be inspected in accordance with the Schedule regulating the business in which motor vehicles are operated, provided or used.
3. Upon the demand of the Chief License Inspector, the driver of any class of motor vehicle that is regulated under this by-law shall surrender for reasonable inspection, his or her driver's license issued under section 32 of the said Highway Traffic Act or under the law of another jurisdiction and the permit for the vehicle issued under section 7 of the said Highway Traffic Act or under the law of another jurisdiction.
   1. The Chief License Inspector may at any time of the day or night enter into any adult entertainment establishment to determine whether this by-law is being complied with and for this purpose make such examinations, investigations and inquiries as are necessary. (By-law No. 2004-353; amended by By-law 2005-414)
   2. The Chief of Police or the Chief License Inspector is hereby authorized to inspect:
      1. as much of a place or premises as is used for the carrying on of the business of a second-hand goods shop, and
      2. any goods, wares, merchandise, articles, books, records or other documents of or relating to the second-hand goods shop.  (By-law 2006-165)
4. No person shall obstruct, hinder or otherwise interfere with any of the inspections referred to in this section.

Section 9 - Business licenses

There shall be taken out by:

1. every auctioneer,
2. every driving instructor and every driving school operator,
3. every person who owns or operates a public garage;  (By-law 2002-319)
4. every snow plow contractor;  (By-law 2002-320)
5. every person who owns or operates an amusement place; (By-law 2002-373)
6. every person who promotes an all night dance event;  (By-law 2002-374)
7. every person who owns or operates a food premises; (By-law 2002-443)
8. every person who promotes an exotic animal entertainment event; (By-law 2003-236)
9. every person who owns and operates an exotic animal rescue and education establishment; (By-law 2003-236)
10. repealed (By-law 2004-209 and later repealed by By-law 2016-272);
11. every adult entertainment owner and every adult entertainment operator; (By-law 2004-353)
12.  
    1. every tobacco product retailer;
    2. every vapour product retailer
    3. every tobacco and vapour products retailer; (In effect November 30, 2024)
13. every person who owns or operates a second-hand goods shop; (By-law 2005-324)
14. every person who owns or operates a salvage yard; (By-law 2005-325)
15. every rickshaw owner; (By-law 2005-119)
16. every rickshaw operator; (By-law 2005-119)
17. every person who promotes an exhibition;  (By-law 2005-356)
18.  every person who owns, operates or promotes a flea market;  (By-law 2005-356)
19. every temporary sign lessor;  (By-law 2005-357)
20. every person who owns or operates an adult entertainment store;  (By-law 2005-414)
21. every person who owns or operates a body-rub parlour;  (By-law 2005-415)
22. every Itinerant Seller; (By-law 2008-95)
23. every mobile refreshment vehicle operator; (By-law 2008-96)
24. every mobile canteen operator; (By-law 2008-96)
25. every mobile refreshment cart operator;  (By-law 2008-96)
26. every refreshment stand operator; (By-law 2008-96)
27. every owner of a rooming house; (By-law 2008-237)

(27) every rural itinerant seller; (By-law 2009-151)

(28) every rural refreshment vehicle operator; (By-law 2009-152)

(29) every rural mobile canteen operator; (By-law 2009-152)

(30) every rural refreshment stand operator; (By-law 2009-152)

(31) every person who owns or operates a pet shop; (By-law 2011-241)

(32) every person who owns or operates a private parking enforcement agency; a license authorizing them respectively to carry on business in the City;  (By-law 2011-380)

(31) every person who owns or operates a boarding kennel; (By-law 2013-107)

(32) every person who owns or operates an in-home breeding kennel; (By-law 2013-107)

(33) every person who owns or operates a recreational kennel; (By-law 2013-107)

(34) every person who owns or operates a payday loan establishment; (By-law 2019-381)

(35) repealed; (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107))

(36) repealed; (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

(37) repealed; (By-law 2021-315; repealed by By-law 2024-107)

 a license authorizing them respectively to carry on business in the City;

Section 10 - Licenses required

No person shall carry on or engage in a business referred to in Section 9 until he or she has procured a license so to do.

Section 11 - Application for a license

1. The following types of applications for the issuance of a license may be made:
   1. an original license, and
   2. the renewal of a license.
2. On the application for an original license or the renewal of a license respecting any of the businesses set out in Section 9, the applicant shall:
   1. complete the prescribed forms,
   2. furnish to the City such information as the City may direct to be furnished,
   3. if a corporation, file copies of the letters of incorporation or other incorporating documents, duly certified by the proper government official or department, together with an annual return which contains a list of all shareholders of the corporation,
   4. if a partnership, provide the names and addresses of each member of the partnership as well as the name under which they carry on or intend to carry on business,
   5. file the completed application with payment in full of the processing fee, the late fee, if applicable, any outstanding additional fees, if applicable and the license fee as set out in Section 15, all in accordance with the City of Ottawa Policies and Procedures for Cash Handling issued by the City Treasurer. (By-law 2004-488)
3. With respect to the payment required by clause (e) of subsection (2), (amended By-law 2004-491)
   1. the processing fee payment and the late fee are non-refundable in whole or in part, and
   2. the license fee payment shall,
      1. if the license is granted, be applied toward the payment of the license fee for the license period in respect of which the license is issued, and
      2. if the license is not granted, returned to the applicant in accordance with subsection (3) of Section 21.
4. Despite subsection (2), the licensee shall, on the renewal of the license,
   1. apply,
      1. on or before the expiry date set out on the license,
      2. up to and including the fifteenth day after the said expiry date,
   2. file, where applicable, any or all of the following:
      1. proof of insurance,
      2. a safety standards certificate, except in the case of a new vehicle obtained directly from a motor vehicle agency within three (3) months from the effective date of the motor vehicle registration, or
      3. leasing agreement for the motor vehicle, and
   3. exhibit, where applicable, Ontario Motor Vehicle Registration Permits for the license period for which the renewal is applied for, issued pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act.
5. In the event of a licensee not renewing the license on or before its expiration, the licensee may renew the license by making application therefor as hereinbefore provided up to and including the fifteenth day after the expiration of the license and shall pay at the time of issuance of the license the license fee and the late fee set out in Section 15. (amended by By-law 2023-516)
6. In the event of a licensee not renewing the license on or before the fifteenth day after its expiration, the licensee ceases to be a licensee and shall apply for an original license and shall pay at the time of issuance of the license the license fee and the late fee set out in Section 15.
7. Despite subsection (2), the Chief License Inspector may waive one or all of the requirements listed in paragraphs (c), (d), (e) or (f) of subsection (2) where the Chief License Inspector determines that the requirements of these paragraphs do not apply. (By-law 2003-311)
8. Despite clause 11(3)(b)(ii), a refund of the license fee shall not apply where the applicant has outstanding additional fees which exceed the license fee. (By-law 2004-488)
9. Despite clause 11(3)(b)(ii), where the outstanding additional fee is less than the license fee, the applicant shall receive only a refund of the difference between the license fee and the outstanding additional fee. (By-law 2004-488)

Section 12 - Investigations for issuance of license

1. The Chief License Inspector shall, upon receipt of an application referred to in Section 11, make or cause to be made all investigations required by law or by the City relative to such application.
2. Despite subsection (1), the Chief License Inspector may renew the license upon being satisfied that, where applicable,
   1. the Chief of Police has reported in writing as to the good character of the applicant, said report to be within one (1) month of the date of application, and
   2. there is no report in writing on file to the effect that the licensee has failed to comply with any provision of this by-law or, where applicable, a condition on which the license was issued imposed by the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee for the period for which the license was granted.  (amended by By-law 2018-125)

Section 13 - Conditions for issuance of license

1. An applicant for an original license, or the renewal of a license, is, subject to the provisions of this by-law, entitled to be issued the license, except where:
   1. the applicant has not,
      1. completed the prescribed application forms,
      2. delivered with the application payment in full of the processing fee, the late fee, if applicable, and the license fee as set out in Section 15 to be paid in respect of such license, or
      3. complied with the license requirements set out in this by-law for the applicable business,
   2. the conduct of the applicant affords reasonable grounds for belief that the applicant has not carried on, or will not carry on, his or her business in accordance with the law and with integrity and honesty,
   3. there are reasonable grounds for belief that the carrying on of the business by the applicant has resulted, or will result, in a breach of this by-law or any other law, (By-law 2004-488) 
   4. there are reasonable grounds for belief that the carrying on of the business may be adverse to the public interest or (By-law 2004-488) 
   5. any additional fee imposed on the applicant remains unpaid after the due date on the notice of additional fee is sent to the applicant. (By-law 2004-488) 
2. Where two or more persons carry on or engage in partnership in any of the businesses set out in Section 9, the license shall be issued in the name of one partner only, but when the application for license is made, the name and address of each member of the partnership shall be set out therein as well as the name under which they carry on or intend to carry on business.

Section 14 - Notice of issuance of license

If the investigations referred to in Section 12 and the provisions of Section 13 are complied with and the issuance of the license has been approved, the Chief License Inspector may issue the license personally or send it by ordinary mail to the applicant at the address shown on the application.

Section 15 - Fees

1. The fees shall be as set out in Schedule "A" to this by-law.
2. The license fee shall be the amount set out in Column 2 of Schedule "A" opposite the description of the license set out in Column 1 of Schedule "A".
3. Where an original application for a license is filed after the expiry of the first six months of the license period, the applicant shall pay at the time of issuance of the license one-half of the license fee set out in Schedule "A".
4. Where a licensee fails to comply with this by-law or fails to produce the vehicle for a scheduled inspection, and the Chief License Inspector re-schedules the inspection, the licensee shall pay the re-inspection fee set out in Schedule "A".

Section 15A - Additional fee

1. Despite any provision of this by-law, the Chief License Inspector may impose an additional fee, as set out in Schedule "A" to this by-law, on a licensee by way of a notice of additional fee at any time during the term of the license for costs incurred by the municipality attributable to the activities of the business. (By-law 2004-488) 
2. The notice of additional fee shall,
   1. be sent to the licensee by registered mail or served personally at the address last on file with the Chief License Inspector; and
   2. provide the licensee with sixty (60) days from the date the notice of additional fee is received by the licensee to pay the outstanding amount. (By-law 2004-488) 

Section 16 - License period

Every license issued by the Chief License Inspector shall, unless it is expressed to be for a shorter or longer period of time, be for one (1) year and shall expire in each year on the date set out in Column 3 of Schedule "A" opposite the description of the license set out in Column 1 of Schedule "A".

Section 16A - License period

Despite Section 16, the Chief License Inspector is delegated the authority to: 

1. approve and extend the timelines for license renewals, beyond the timelines provided in Schedule “A”, under one or more of the following conditions:
   1.  a State of Emergency has been called either at the federal, provincial or municipal level; 
   2. City of Ottawa client service counters have been closed for in excess of five (5) business days; or, 
   3. any other circumstances deemed appropriate by the Chief License Inspector that would impact the ability for licensees to renew licenses or for staff to process renewals, that are beyond the control of licensees or staff and, where requested, licensees may be required to provide proof to the satisfaction of the Chief License Inspector. 
2. The exercise of delegated authority pursuant to subsection (1) shall be reported to the appropriate Standing Committee at least once in each calendar year. (By-law 2020-88)

Section 17 - License certificate

1. The License Certificate may be the invoice and shall be numbered and include:
   1. the name of the licensee,
   2. the business of the licensee,
   3. the address of the business,
   4. the category of the business license,
   5. the date of issuance of the license,
   6.  the date of expiration of the license,
   7. the make, model, serial number and motor vehicle registration number issued under the Highway Traffic Act, if applicable,
   8. the word "transfer" and the number of the original license, if applicable.
2. Where an original license has been lost or destroyed, the Chief License Inspector, upon receipt of an affidavit to that effect, furnished by the original holder thereof or by some person having personal knowledge of the loss or destruction of the license, may issue a duplicate license to the licensee upon payment of the fee set out in Section 15.

Section 18 - Issuance of license

Upon issuance of a license, the Chief License Inspector shall furnish to the licensee the license certificate or validation sticker and such other items as set out in this by-law for the applicable business.

Section 19 - Insurance

1. Every proof of insurance required pursuant to the provisions of this by-law shall be kept in force by the licensee for the period for which the license is in effect inclusive of any renewal thereof.
2. No licensee who is required to file proof of insurance with the Chief License Inspector shall fail to maintain in force and to renew the same in a timely manner and to pay the premium due thereon.
3. The Chief License Inspector shall, upon receipt of notice that a policy of insurance is to expire on a stated date, notify the licensee that unless further proof of insurance is filed on or before that day, his or her license will be suspended coincidently with the expiration of the policy of insurance.
4. If a licensee fails to file proof of insurance as required by subsection (3), the Chief License Inspector shall forthwith transmit a report to the Licensee Committee and the License Committee may consider the status of the license in accordance with the provisions of this by-law. (By-law 2018-125)
5. When a licensee decides to suspend business operations and not to keep the insurance required pursuant to the provisions of this by-law in force, the licensee may arrange to deliver his or her license to the Chief License Inspector for safekeeping until he or she decides to carry on the business operation and refile the proof of insurance required pursuant to the provisions of this by-law.
6. When a licensee has delivered his or her license pursuant to subsection (5), subsection (4) does not apply and the Chief License Inspector is not required to transmit the report to the License Committee pertaining to the consideration of the status of the license. (By-law 2018-125)
7. No person who has delivered his or her license pursuant to subsection (5) shall carry on the business for which the license was issued without refiling proof of insurance with the Chief License Inspector.

Section 20 - Transfers

1. When a person applies for a transfer of a license, the person to whom the license is to be transferred shall comply with the provisions of this by-law as if he or she was an original applicant.
2. When the person to whom the license is to be transferred has furnished satisfactory proof to the Chief License Inspector that he or she meets the requirements of this by-law and that such transfer is not prohibited by any other provision of this by-law, the Chief License Inspector shall issue a license to the transferee upon receipt of the transfer fee set out in Section 15, which license certificate shall comply with the provisions of Section 17.
3. Where the licensee dies during the currency of the license, the license may be transferred and the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) apply.
4. Where two or more persons carry on or engage in partnership in any of the businesses set out in Section 9, the license shall be issued in the name of one partner only, but when the application for license is made the name and address of each member of the partnership shall be set out therein as well as the name under which they carry on or intend to carry on business.
5. The licensee or another member of the partnership may apply in writing to the Chief License Inspector to change the named licensee to another member of the partnership, and provide proof of the members of the partnership; and the application shall be a transfer and the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) apply but the Chief License Inspector does not have to be furnished with satisfactory proof that the premises meet the requirements of the by-law.
6. When a licensee proposes to move or relocate his or her premises, the licensee shall apply for a transfer of the license from one premises to the other premises, and the Chief License Inspector, upon being furnished with satisfactory proof that the premises meet the requirements of this by-law and that such transfer is not prohibited by any other provision of this by-law, shall transfer the license upon receipt of the transfer fee set out in Section 15.
7. Every person who replaces the motor vehicle for which the license was issued shall apply for a transfer of the license from the one (1) motor vehicle to the replacement motor vehicle and shall, where applicable:
   1. file,
      1. proof of insurance, and
      2. a safety standards certificate, and
   2. exhibit the Ontario Motor Vehicle Registration Permit for the replacement vehicle,
      and the Chief License Inspector, upon being furnished with satisfactory proof that the motor vehicle meets the requirements of this by-law shall transfer the license upon receipt of the transfer fee set out in Section 15.
8. Every person who purchases a business from a licensee shall apply for a transfer of the license in accordance with the provisions of subsections (1) and (2).
9. In the event of an applicant for a transfer being refused by the Chief License Inspector, the Chief License Inspector shall give the applicant notice of his or her refusal in writing, said notice to be served personally or by registered mail to the applicant at the address shown on the application.
10. An applicant in receipt of a notice given pursuant to subsection (9), may apply in writing to the License Committee for a review of the refusal of the Chief License Inspector to issue the transfer applied for by filing with the Chief License Inspector his or her application for a review and the provisions of Section 21 apply in like manner. (By-law 2018-125)

Section 21 - Refusal of issuance of license

1. The Chief License Inspector shall refuse to issue to the applicant the license applied for if the conditions for issuance in Section 13 have not been met.
2. The Chief License Inspector shall give the applicant notice of the refusal to issue the license applied for in writing, said notice to be served personally or by registered mail to the applicant at the address shown on the application.
3. The Chief License Inspector shall return the license fee paid at the time of the application in respect of such license after the expiration of fourteen (14) days of having served the notice provided that an application for review of the refusal to issue the license has not been filed.

Section 22 - Application for review of refusal to issue

An applicant in receipt of a notice of refusal given pursuant to Section 21 may, within fourteen (14) days of having been served the notice, apply in writing for a review of the refusal to issue the license applied for by filing the request for a review with the Chief License Inspector, and the provisions of Sections 24 to 28 shall apply.

Section 23 - Report for review of status of license

The Chief License Inspector may report to the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee any breaches by the licensee of this by-law with a request to consider the status of the license. (By-law 2018-125)

Section 24 - Date of review hearing

1. The Chief License Inspector,
   1. upon receipt of the application referred to in Section 22, or
   2. upon reporting to the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee as set out in Section 23,

shall determine a date with the Committee Coordinator of the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee for the review hearing by the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee which shall be at least fourteen (14) days from receipt of appeal hearing request. (By-law 2023-516)

Section 25 - Notice of review hearing

1. Upon determination of the review hearing date, the Chief License Inspector shall give notice in writing to the applicant or licensee, said notice to:
   1. include a statement,
      1. as to the time, date, place and purpose of the review hearing, and
      2. that, if the applicant does not attend the review hearing, the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee may proceed in the absence of the applicant or licensee and the applicant or licensee will not be entitled to any further notice, (By-law 2018-125)
   2. be served personally or by registered mail to the applicant or licensee at the address last on file with the Chief License Inspector, and
   3. where the good character, propriety of conduct or competence of a licensee is an issue, contain reasonable information of any allegations with respect thereto.

Section 26 - Hearing

1. The Property Standards and License Appeals Committee shall hold the review hearing at the time, place and date set out in the notice referred to in Section 25. (By-law 2018-125)
2. The applicant or licensee may be represented at the review hearing by counsel, and the applicant or licensee or the counsel shall have the right to adduce evidence, submit argument in support of the application for a license or the status quo of the license and cross-examine witnesses adverse in interest.
3. The City shall be represented at the review hearing by either the Chief License Inspector or the City Solicitor, who is entitled to adduce evidence and submit arguments in reply to evidence and argument on behalf of the applicant or licensee.
4. At the review hearing, the onus shall be upon the applicant or licensee to show cause why,
   1. the license applied for should be granted,
   2. the license should not be suspended or revoked , or
   3. conditions should not be imposed on the license.
5. All review hearings shall be public hearings unless the applicant or licensee requests that the hearing be held in camera and the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee may approve the request by a simple majority in accordance with the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. S.22, as amended. (By-law 2018-125)
6. The Property Standards and License Appeals Committee’s decision shall be final and binding. (By-law 2018-125)

Section 27 - License committee decision

The Property Standards and License Appeals Committee shall give its decision in writing to the Chief License Inspector within seven (7) business days of the date of the completion of the review hearing. (By-law 2023-516)

Section 28 - Waiver of hearing

1. Despite any of the provisions of this by-law, any proceedings may be disposed of by a decision of the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee given, 
   1. without a hearing, or
   2. without compliance with any other requirements of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chap. S.22, as amended, or of this by-law incorporating such requirements,

where the licensee has waived such hearing or compliance. (By-law 2018-125)

Section 29 - Implementation of license committee decision

1. The Chief License Inspector shall notify the applicant or licensee of the decision by serving a copy personally or by registered mail to:
   1. the applicant or licensee at the address shown on the application, or last on file with the Chief License Inspector, or
   2. the counsel or agent of the applicant or licensee, if any, at the address as stated to the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee. (By-law 2018-125).
2. If the decision rendered is to grant the applicant the license applied for, the license shall be issued.
3. If the decision is to suspend or revoke the license, the licensee shall within twenty-four (24) hours of service of notice by registered mail, or immediately if the notice is personally served, return the license to the Chief License Inspector, and the Chief License Inspector shall have access to any premises or other property of the licensee for the purpose of receiving or taking the same.
4. If the decision is to impose conditions on the license, the licensee shall within twenty-four (24) hours of service of notice by registered mail, or immediately if the notice is personally served, advise the Chief License Inspector as to his or her acceptance of the conditions.

Section 30 - Notification on happening of certain events

1. Every licensee shall notify or cause to be notified the Chief License Inspector in writing within seven (7) days of the happening of the following events:
   1. any change in the licensee's address or telephone number,
   2. sale, transfer or termination of the business,
   3. retirement,
   4. in the situation where the licensee provided the name and address of his or her business affiliate or employer, any change in the named business affiliate or employer, or
   5. any change of address, telephone number or Ontario License Plate Number of a motor vehicle that is registered with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and any change of motor vehicle ownership and appropriate insurance endorsement.
2. In the case of the death of the licensee, the person administering the estate should notify or cause to be notified the Chief License Inspector in writing.

Section 31 - License availability

1. Subject to subsection (3), every person obtaining a license under this by-law shall carry the said license upon his or her person.
2. Every licensee shall, when so requested by the Chief License Inspector, produce the license for inspection.
3. Every person obtaining a license under this by-law where the same applies to premises shall ensure that his or her license is posted up in some prominent position on the premises, so as to visible to the public.

Section 32 - False or incorrect information

No person shall give false or incorrect information for the purposes of obtaining a license.

Section 33 - Subject to laws

All licenses are subject to all applicable Acts, regulations and by-laws.

Section 34 - Property of the city

1. No person shall enjoy a vested right in the continuance of a license and upon the issue, cancellation or suspension thereof, the value of a license shall be the property of the City.
2. Every decal furnished pursuant to this by-law shall be and remain the property of the City and shall be returned to the City or removed whenever required to do so by the Chief License Inspector.

Section 35 - Duty to comply

Every person applying for or holding a license under this by-law shall, in such application or in carrying on or engaging in the business in respect of which the license is issued, observe, comply with and be governed by this by-law.

Section 36 - No discrimination

No person licensed under this by-law shall, because of race, colour or creed, discriminate against any member of the public in the carrying on of the business in respect of which the license is issued.

Section 37 - Guide dogs

No person licensed under this by-law shall refuse to permit a service animal to enter and remain on his or her premises, or to enter and remain in his or her motor vehicle during the carrying on of the business in respect of which the license is issued. (By-law 2018-125)

Section 38 - Employee acts

Every licensee shall be responsible for the act or acts of any of his or her employees or any person associated with the licensee in the carrying on of any of the businesses authorized by his or her license in the same manner and to the same extent as though such act or acts were done by the licensee.

Section 39 - Conditional licenses

1. Every licensee shall comply with every condition imposed upon the license.
2. Every licensee who fails to comply with subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.

Section 40 - Offences

Every person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is guilty of an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine as provided for by the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter P.33, as amended. (By-law 2021-315; amended by By-law 2023-516)

Section 41 - Fines

1. Every person who is convicted of an offence under this by-law is liable to a fine of not more than twenty-five thousand ($25,000.00) dollars as provided for in the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, Chapter 25, as amended. (By-law 2023-516)
2. Where a corporation is convicted of an offence under this by-law, the maximum penalty that may be imposed on the corporation is fifty thousand ($50,000) dollars and not as provided by subsection (1) in accordance with the Municipal Act.

Section 41A

1. Despite subsection (1) of Section 41, every owner or operator of an adult entertainment establishment who contravenes this by-law and every director of a corporation that owns and operates an adult entertainment establishment who concurs in the contravention by the corporation is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both as provided for in the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, Chapter 25, as amended. (By-law 2005-414)
2. Despite subsection (2) of Section 41, where a corporation that owns or operates an adult entertainment establishment is convicted an offence under this by-law, the maximum penalty that may be imposed on the corporation is fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) and not as provided in subsection (1) in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Act, 2001. (By-law 2005-414)

Section 42 - Prohibition order

1. When a person has been convicted of an offence under this by-law,
   1. the Ontario Court of Justice or
   2. any court of competent jurisdiction thereafter
      may, in addition to any other penalty imposed on the person convicted, make an order prohibiting the continuation or repetition of the offence by the person convicted.

Section 43 to 46 - License suspension or revocation

Section 43

In addition to any other penalty, a license issued under the authority of this by-law may be suspended or revoked upon such grounds and in accordance with such procedural provisions as are set out in this by-law.

Section 44

1. With respect to the temporary suspension of a license, summary suspensions may be for a minimum period of twenty-four (24) hours and for a maximum period of fourteen (14) days; if the violation has been corrected after the twenty-four (24) hour period, the license may be reinstated.
2. Summary suspensions may be initiated by the Chief License Inspector or By-law Officer in any situation that has resulted or may reasonably be expected to result in an emergency situation and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, these situations may include:
   1. where the licensee has breached any law,
   2. where the licensee has done anything that is in any way adverse to the public interest,
   3. where a motor vehicle is deemed to be mechanically unsafe, including but not limited to body damage with sharp edges, holes in the floor boards, unserviceable tires, doors not closing properly, wire protruding from the seat or any other mechanical defect that would render the motor vehicle unsafe,
   4. where a cheque is returned marked "NSF" for the payment of a license fee and in such cases, the license shall be suspended until the license fee is paid,
   5. where there is misuse of a license by a licensee taking a license decal from one vehicle and affixing it to another vehicle which is not approved for licensing purposes,
   6. where an inspection has been performed on a motor vehicle for transfer of a license and the licensee fails to effect the transfer, the license shall be suspended should the operator carry on business with the replacement vehicle,
   7. where a leasing agreement has expired and the lessee has failed to renew it, the license may be suspended if the lessor continues to work while the licensing agreement is expired, or
   8. where a licensee's liability insurance has expired and he or she continues to carry on business for which the license was issued, the license shall be suspended (By-law 2003-311)
3. Prior to suspending a licence, the Chief Licence Inspector shall provide the licensee with the reasons for the suspension either orally or in writing and an opportunity to respond to them.
4. The Chief License Inspector will be advised immediately of all summary suspensions.
5. The Property Standards and License Appeals Committee will be advised on a quarterly basis of all suspension actions initiated summarily. (By-law 2018-125)
6. The suspension of a licence pursuant to this section is lifted after the expiration of two (2) weeks from the date of suspension or after the first meeting of the Property Standards and License Appeals Committee after the suspension, whichever occurs first. (By-law 2018-125)

Section 45

Where a license has been suspended or revoked, no person shall refuse to deliver the license to the Chief License Inspector or shall in any way prevent or hinder the Chief License Inspector from receiving or taking the same.

Section 46

No licensee shall operate or carry on the business for which the license was issued while the license is under suspension.

Sections 47 to 54 - Repeals and transition

Former municipal by-laws.

Section 55 - Effective date

1. This by-law shall come into force and take effect on the 1st day of July, 2002.
2. Despite subsection (1), for the purposes of applying for an original license for auctioneer licenses for the license period of July 1, 2002 to April 30, 2003, the applicant may apply in June 2002 and the application may be processed as if this by-law was in effect.
3. Despite subsection (1), for the purposes of applying for an original license for driving instructor and driving school operator licenses for the license period of July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003, the applicant may apply in June 2002 and the application may be processed as if this by-law was in effect.

Section 56 - Short title

This by-law may be referred to as the "Licensing By-law."

Enacted and passed this 8th day of May, 2002.

By-law Services Fees and Charges